What makes Sixt original is its steep altitudinal gradient since , from 750 m it rises to culminate at more than 3,000: a generous, indeed opulent, countryside, made up of large landscapes, at the end of a closed valley, where the surface reveals in turn water (waterfalls, mountain streams, lakes), minerals(
lapies, cliffs, notably those of the cirques, fallen rocks), vegetation (forest cover, meadows, lawns), all in a mountain climate.
Man has also strongly marked this territory by his presence : At the beginning of the 12th century the arrival of the regular canons of the order of St Augustine marked the first permanent settlement in the upper valley ; from that time on, a vast campaign of clearing was undertaken to enable their community to implant itself and |
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found the Abbey of Sixt.
This community was the starting point of a farming/ pastoral civilisation which reached its peak in 1850 with 1700 inhabitants ; indeed, it veritably fashioned a landscape that attests to the close and difficult relationship between man and the mountain environment.
Nowadays the population, scattered over 17 villages, numbered , at the last census, 712 inhabitants who weave an extensive craft industry fabric in the Giffre Valley , while also working outside the latter (Arve Valley, Switzerland) .
The rich architectural heritage of Sixt is made up of the 12th century abbey, fountains, oratories, small chapels and Savoyard corn lofts.
In winter skiing and snowboarding are given great importance in the Grand Massif territory, 270 km of pistes linked by 5 resorts : Flaine, Les Carroz d'Arâches Morillon, Samoëns... Sixt Fer à Cheval is linked to Flaine by the waterfall piste, a piste of 14 km that you must absolutely try out! Winter also means snow-shoeing , sledge dogs or cross-country skiing.
Surface area
: 12 000 ha
Altitude
:765 m (highest point Mont Buet : 3,096m)
No. of inhabitants :712 habitants (recensement 1999)
The Grand Massif : skiing area (Flaine, Samoëns, Morillon, Les Carroz, Sixt Fer à Cheval)
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Sixt is part of the chalky massif of the northern Pre-Alps and forms the highest point of the Giffre Valley. It occupies a vast surface area: (12, 000 hectares).
